Washington (CNN) – California Sen. Dianne Feinstein revealed Monday that Osama bin Laden and his family could have lived on a compound in Pakistan for up to six years.

Telling a group of reporters the Senate Intelligence committee has been briefed on bin Laden’s possible whereabouts for some time, she said, “The fact that it didn’t leak is really special and shows that each member is carrying out its duties.”
Feinstein, the chair of the committee, revealed, “It appears Osama bin Laden and his family could have lived there up to six years … Because this compound had been around and that’s the belief.”

“There was actionable intelligence but to the best of my knowledge, Osama bin Laden wasn’t really identified per se of being there in terms of appearance,” she continued.

The four-term Democratic senator also voiced her concerns about U.S. cooperation with the Pakistani government, saying, “It’s very hard for me to understand how Pakistani - particularly the ISI (Pakistani intelligence service) - would not have known what was going on in that compound.”

“Pakistani military and Pakistani intelligence community is really walking both sides of the street,” Feinstein said.

“The question comes, what to do about it … I think we need to talk about that. Our government is in fiscal distress. To make contributions to a country that is not going to be fully supportive is a problem for many.”
CNN's Rebecca Stewart contributed to this report.

soundoff(3 Responses)

"...Pakistani military and Pakistani intelligence community is really walking both sides of the street”

Yes well they always claim to be doing this for counter-intelligence purposes. Or Pakistan truly is sympathetic to the enemy cause and had no serious intention of cooperation.

We spent many many many Billions of $ on foreign "aid" to Pakistan since Bush took office. Not to mention the insane financial burden in Iraq. Iraq had absolutely nothing to do with Bin Laden...no matter how many times Cheney and his brainwashed daughter try to spin it at Fox – Facts Don't Matter – & Friends.

May 3, 2011 12:36 am at 12:36 am |

Osama bin Laden Dead Dead Dead

Chill out Feinstein. Pakistan will never be the perfect friend of the US for very obvious reasons. Their internal political situation is shaky at best. It is a wonder the country holds together at all. But half a friend is better than no friend. Would you prefer an openly hostile environment towards the US? Would you prefer to be on the outside looking in? The US has known the reality of the relationship so nobody should be surprised by any of this.

May 3, 2011 02:55 am at 2:55 am |

welfare prez retoric

What does she know, she works for a Govt. that wants to destroy the American Dream and The Age of America.